So, I must first apologize for the radio silence. I’ve had an incredible month in March filled with very amazing experiences that I can’t wait to share with you!!! In the month of March, I’ve also been fortunate enough to take a vacation to get away from it all for a short period. I have to say that I have never had a vacation like this. I can’t wait to share photos with you and some stories. This month I’ve also had the pleasure of assisting the most wonderful Amber Felts of Shoops’ Photography with her wedding workshop AND attending an amazing workshop put on by Kamee June Photography and Julie Rollins Photography called The Love + Marriage = Baby Carriage workshop. This above image is actually from that workshop. I cannot wait to share with you my experience from those workshops. Each of these workshops deserves their own post, so those will be coming soon!
What I did want to share with you was what some time off can do for your brain and what exposing yourself to wonderful people can do for the pysche. First, I have to thank Shoops’ Shutter for having me come and assist her with her Wedding workshop. I’ll provide more details about her workshop later, but she really is an amazing person with a passion for her work and sharing that information. She really has helped me feel more confident and she’s so open to sharing her knowledge!!! After assisting Miss Amber, I headed down to Orange County to meet some really fabulous photographers. This was my first large scale workshop and I was so nervous!!! I got to meet the most amazing photographers from around the country and our neighbor, Canada. It was a blast. But, I have to share with you the sheer gratitude I have for each and every one of these ladies. They were all so willing to teach and share! It was a phenomenal experience and I’m just talking about the attendees! Let me tell you about the workshop hosts, KJ and Julie. O. M. G. They are both such positive people. They helped me believe in myself and my craft. They, like Amber, were willing to share anything and everything about their business and their shooting styles and “secrets”. They truly are two people who are warm and kind to the core! I cannot say enough good things about them!! I totally have a lady crush on them (KJ — this is not awkward at all 
hee hee). But, in all seriousness, they were so open. There wasn’t a moment where I felt like I couldn’t talk to them. Having this positive energy AND the ability to have them in my corner is so powerful. It really does help you gain so much more confidence in your shooting. KJ and Julie, you’ve definitely changed my outlook on life and photography — your workshop was truly a game changer! I’m just raving about these ladies as people, there will be a whole other post on them as photographers!
After my three day stint in Orange County, I headed to San Diego. There I got to hang out with my Grandma-in-law (did I just make that up?) and I got to visit my aunt that I haven’t seen in over 2 years. I got to sit down with her for about half an hour or a little more. We caught up a little bit and she was another positive influence on this vacation. She urged me to continue following my passion and reminded me what life was about. She reminded me that I could succeed. She shared with me some of her personal life experiences and it has fueled me to continue to work hard and continue learning more about photography!
After visiting San Diego, I went on to Maui. Here is where I was able to take everything I learned over the last week and really reflect. You see, I really chose this image above to illustrate what Maui was like for me. It’s like I could be a care-free child out on the beach exploring. In Maui, I was able to reflect on my business and my personal life. Being on the beach and going out to the ocean was invigorating. I re-evaluated life goals, business goals, and what is really important to me. There’s something about being out there where you can be left completely alone to the sound of the ocean, the wind, and beautiful sunsets. All the little things you thought were important suddenly goe away. It gives you perspective — it allows you to reprioritize what is important in your life.
So, I’ve returned to California refreshed and with a new outlook. I never really vacationed as a kid because it wasn’t in our budget, but I really encourage you to get away. Anywhere. It’s nice to just get away from your daily grind to find some time and space in a quiet area to think. I personally enjoy listening to and watching the ocean, but find your own special place and take some time to think and re-energize from time-to-time. If you find yourself in a rut, try this to see if you can rejuvenate and start fresh! I think you’ll like it!
Here’s to new beginnings!
